Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr) is a charitable obligation given at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Unlike Zakat al-Mal, which is calculated as a percentage of wealth, Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount given per person in the household.
The amount is traditionally defined as one Sa' (approximately 2.5-3 kg) of a staple food — such as wheat, barley, dates, or rice. Many scholars permit giving the monetary equivalent of this amount. The head of a household typically pays on behalf of all dependents, including children and elderly family members.
The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is twofold: it purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan, and it ensures that those in need can participate in the Eid celebration. Scholars generally agree it should be distributed before the Eid prayer, though some allow it to be given a day or two earlier.
Related Terms
Zakat al-Mal(زكاة المال)
Zakat on wealth — the annual 2.5% obligation on accumulated assets that meet or exceed the Nisab threshold.
Sadaqah(صدقة)
Voluntary charity in Islam, given beyond the obligatory Zakat. There is no minimum amount or specific timing requirement.
Nisab(نصاب)
The minimum wealth threshold that makes Zakat obligatory. Based on the value of gold (85g) or silver (595g) for Sunni schools.
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